LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- In a new executive order issued Friday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear recommended that school districts do not resume in-person classes until Jan 11.
According to the governor’s previous executive order, issued Nov. 18, students could return to classrooms starting Jan. 4. The new order asks districts to extend virtual learning by one week due to an anticipated spread of the coronavirus after the holidays.
Some school districts, however, will be sticking to their original plans. Henry County Schools plans to bring students back to in-person classes after winter break ends.
"When we come back to school on Jan. 5, it'll be with in-person classes," the district announced in a Facebook post.
"We have to do this at some point. It's gone on long enough," Superintendent Terry Price said. "I think it could be controversial to some, but it's one of those things that is not just me. When I speak with the district, we really feel like it's a necessity."
The school plans to bring its elementary students back and for middle and high schools to operate on a hybrid schedule. Price said an overwhelming number of teachers and staff elected to return to in-person instruction, adding that students across the small district are suffering both academically and mentally.
"Our youngest learners are getting farther and farther behind," he said. "We've had high school kids that have readily said that they need to be in front of an adult, that 'I can't do this on my own, and I can't do this at home.'"
Meanwhile, school districts like Oldham County Schools and Hardin County Schools announced they would delay in-person instruction until Jan. 11.
Beshear's order says districts should consider staggering reopening buildings as well as prioritizing the return of students who are at greater risk of learning loss or those experiencing challenges with remote learning. Schools must also continue to offer virtual learning for families that wish to remain at home.
All public schools are required to comply with the state's Healthy at School guidelines. School districts must also provide remote working accommodations to their high-risk employees.
Beshear's order also recommends private schools not return to in-person instruction until Jan. 11.
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